The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise in this honourable house today to reflect on a true leader, whose wisdom and counsel crossed political party lines, and who saw our great federation of Canada as what it truly can be – working to make it better for all of us.

In the passing of Brian Mulroney, our 18th Prime Minister, Canada has lost a true patriot and statesman.

Ever a friend to our province, Mulroney had a lasting impact on Newfoundland and Labrador through the original Atlantic Accord, shaping our offshore oil industry.

From the Health Accord to the economy, I treasured his insight and advice. The last time we spoke was in the fall. We discussed the current state of politics, extremism, and personal attacks in the current national context.

Always a gentleman, and so generous with his time. Brian Mulroney did not simply understand what it really meant to be a Canadian, he lived it.

As Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend our province’s deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all mourning his loss.